Water-based data center

ABSTRACT

A system includes a floating platform-mounted computer data center comprising a plurality of computing units, a sea-based electrical generator in electrical connection with the plurality of computing units, and one or more sea-water cooling units for providing cooling to the plurality of computing units.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document discusses water-based data centers, including systems thatmay be powered by the motion of water.

BACKGROUND

Public use of the internet continues to grow, with millions of peoplenow accessing the global network. The bandwidth demanded by each ofthose users also continues to grow substantially—moving from simplee-mails, to graphical web pages, to full streaming video at very highresolutions. In addition, with so-called Web 2.0 applications, more datais needed to support traditional computing applications over theinternet. As a result, many information providers are building largecomputing facilities, known as data centers, that can provide variousservices to internet users. Sometimes, these data centers can containthousands of networked computers mounted in a large number of racks.

The internet backbone also needs to grow to support the additionaldemand from all these new users and new services. Such growth isexpensive, however, because backbone routers are huge, complex machines,and running of cross-country fibers costs very much money. In addition,cross-country communication can introduce latency to communications—bothbecause of increased distances, and because of the increased chance oflosing and retransmitting packets that are sent through many routers andthrough long distances.

Thus, it can be beneficial to distribute computing power closer tousers. As such, data centers may be moved closer to users, with relevantcontent sent from a central facility out to regional data centers onlyonce, and further transmissions occurring over shorter regional links.As a result, every request from a user need not result in a transmissioncross-country and through the internet backbone—network activity may bemore evenly balanced and confined to local areas. Also, transient needsfor computing power may arise in a particular area. For example, amilitary presence may be needed in an area, a natural disaster may bringa need for computing or telecommunication presence in an area until thenatural infrastructure can be repaired or rebuilt, and certain eventsmay draw thousands of people who may put a load on the local computinginfrastructure. Often, such transient events occur near water, such as ariver or an ocean. However, it can be expensive to build and locate datacenters, and it is not always easy to find access to necessary (andinexpensive) electrical power, high-bandwidth data connections, andcooling water for such data centers.

SUMMARY

This document describes systems and methods that may be employed toprovide data center (e.g., computing, telecommunications, or othersimilar services) support in an area quickly and flexibly. In general,computing centers are located on a ship or ships, which are thenanchored in a water body from which energy from natural motion of thewater may be captured, and turned into electricity and/or pumping powerfor cooling pumps to carry heat away from computers in the data center.In particular examples, the water-powered devices for generatingelectricity are depicted as so-called Pelamis machines. The data centersmay also be on shore and receive power and/or cooling water fromfloating systems.

In one implementation, a system is disclosed that comprises a floatingplatform-mounted computer data center comprising a plurality ofcomputing units, a sea-powered electrical generator in electricalconnection with the plurality of computing units, and one or moresea-water cooling units for providing cooling to the plurality ofcomputing units. The computing units may be mounted in a plurality ofcrane-removable modules. The sea-powered electrical generator maycomprise a wave-powered generator system, and may further include aplurality of motion-powered machines arranged in a grid and wiredtogether. The wave-powered electrical generator system may likewisecomprise one or more Pelamis machines.

In some aspects, the sea-powered electrical generator may comprise atide-powered generator system. Also, the cooling units of the system maycomprise a plurality of sea-powered pumps and one or moreseawater-to-freshwater heat exchangers. In addition, the sea-watercooling units may comprise one or more water-to-water heat exchangers.Moreover, the system may further comprise one or more rectifiers forproducing direct current supply power from power supplied by theelectrical generator, and the rectifiers may provide power directly tocomponents in the plurality of computing units without further AC-to-DCor DC-to-AC conversion. A plurality of step-down transformers may alsobe provided to convert the direct current power to a voltage usable bythe components in the plurality of computing units.

In another implementation, a method of maintaining a computer datacenter is disclosed, and comprises generating electrical power using thewave, tidal, or current motion of water adjacent a data center,providing the generated electrical power to the data center, andcirculating the water adjacent the data center through a heat exchangerto produce cooling for the data center equipment. The electrical powermay be generated by the force of a floating device against moving waves.Also, the data center equipment may comprise a large plurality ofcomputer boards mounted in rack arrays.

In yet another implementation, a system for maintaining a computer datacenter is disclosed. The system includes a data center located on ornear an ocean or ocean extension, a cooling system for providing coolingto the data center using seawater, and a means for providing electricalpower for use by the data center.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a top view of a floating data center system using an arrayof motion-powered machines.

FIG. 1 b is a top view of a floating data center system using a pair ofmotion-powered machines.

FIG. 1 c is a top view of a floating data center system powered by atidal power system.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a floating data center system.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a floating power generation apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a floating power generation and pumpingapparatus.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a floating data center system, showing coolingand electrical components.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a top view of a floating data center system 100 usingwave-power. In general, the system 100 has a floating platform and anarray of wave-powered generators. The wave-powered generators 106, 110may be implemented, for example, in the form of Pelamis machines, asdiscussed in more detail below. The floating platform 102 carries one ormore modules of a modular data center 104, which may be powered fromelectricity produced by the motion of the wave-powered generators 106,and may be cooled by cooling water pumped by the wave-powered generators110. As a result, the data center modules may operate without beingconnected to external utilities.

Such an arrangement may beneficially permit for more ready deployment ofdata centers to areas in particular need of computing ortelecommunications power. The data centers may be quickly andinexpensively constructed on land, such as in modular units, includingstandard shipping containers. They may then be hauled, as shippingcontainers, on trucks to the seaside, and may then be lifted inconventional manner onto a ship. Once on the ship, they may be connectedto electrical and cooling services already on the ship, and the ship maydeploy to an area in need of assistance. The ship may then anchor in anarea offshore where wave or tidal motion is sufficiently strong or largeso as to permit electrical generation and pumping power. In addition,old modules may be easily replaced with newer modules, as newtechnologies develop or as old units quickly wear out under adverse seaconditions. Moreover, by using standard shipping containers whosetransportation is well known to most dock workers and seamen, the system100 may be more readily transported and implemented without significantor specialized training.

A floating platform 102, such as a cargo ship, may carry one or moremodular data centers 104. For example, a freighter may have a datacenter contained in inter-modal freight containers. Existing mechanisms,such as port facilities, may be used to handle the containers. Theplatform 102 provides power and cooling capacity to the modular datacenters 104, in addition to supporting the modular data centers 104. Themodular data centers 104 may be arranged in a two-dimensional orthree-dimensional grid. For example, as shown in the figure, two rowsthat each contain two containers are shown. Those modules could also bestacked two or more high, so that the platform 102 holds eight or twelveor more modules.

Support systems may be provided in the floating platform 102, such asfor power and cooling of the modular data centers 104. For example,diesel powered electrical generators may be provided below decks tosupply supplemental electrical power such as when high data loads areseen or when the motion-powered machines 106, 110 are otherwise notproviding sufficient electricity. Also, pumps and other mechanicalcomponents may be provided upon the floating platform 102, andconnections between the components and the modular data centers 104 maybe provided. The connections may include connectors that terminate onthe platform deck near where the data centers 104 are to be located, sothat quick-connect connections may be made when the data centers 104 aredropped into location.

Motion-powered machines 106, 110 may provide power and cooling capacityfor the platform 102. Motion-powered machines 106, 110 can harness waveenergy from a body of water such as the sea or a river, and convert itto a useful form, such as a mechanical motion for powering an electricalgenerator or for turning or otherwise operating a water pump. Oneadvantage of such a system is that the energy collected from the wateris essentially free and non-polluting.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the motion-powered machines 106, 110 are arrayedinto two groups, and are formed of multiple Pelamis machines that aredescribed below. Machines 106 are an array of machines for electricalgeneration, and are tethered and electrically wired to platform 102.Machines 110 are a pair of machines for pumping of water that is aroundthe platform 102 onto the platform. For example, machines 106 may eachcreate a pumping action that pulls water from their immediate vicinityand pumps it onto the platform 102 through an appropriate conduit.

In general, motion-powered machines 106, 110 may be made up of multiplepontoon segments 106A-D, that are movable relative to each other. Oneexemplary system is the Pelamis P-750 Wave Energy Converter. Thepontoons may take any appropriate size, but may each be on the order of3.5 meters in diameter 150 meters long. Each machine can generateapproximately 750 kilowatts, and an array or farm of machines canproduce 2.25 megawatts or more. Approximately 40 machines spread over asquare kilometer could also produce approximately 30 MW. The system 100may operate satisfactorily, for example, approximately 3-7 miles fromshore, in 50-70 meters of water.

The pontoons 106A-D are connected end-to-end in a manner (e.g., usingjoints) that allows them to pivot relative to each other, such as withhinges that allow the motion-powered machines 106, 110 to flex at thepontoon joints. Each individual segment of a machine 106, 110 isconnected to the next-adjacent segment with hydraulic cylinders next tothe hinges or pivots. For example, each hydraulic piston may beconnected to a first pontoon 106A and a second pontoon 106B.

As one pontoon segment pivots relative to another, a hydraulic piston orram may move into one of the segments to force high pressure oil throughhydraulic motors in the segment. The force of the rams may be evened outusing hydraulic accumulators attached to the motors, which may operateat, for example, 1500 rpm. The hydraulic motors may in turn be connectedvia a drive shaft with one or more sealed electrical generators. In sum,relative pivoting of the segments causes the ram to force fluid throughthe motors, and in turn causes the electrical generators to turn andmake electricity. Alternatively, the machines 106, 110 may power waterpumps in a similar manner.

The motion-powered machines 106, 110 may be held in place by mooringlines attached to anchors 108. As waves encounter the pontoons, thepontoons may move up or down, bending at the joints to remain at thesurface of the waves. Electricity produced by the generators onmotion-powered machines 106, 110 may be passed via a conductor, such asa cable, to the floating platform 102.

Electrical power received from the motion-powered machines 106, 110 maybe converted to an appropriate form for powering datacenters on theship. For example, the power may be rectified to produce DC power thatmay be used directly by computers in modular data centers 104. Thegenerated voltage may also be transformed to one or more appropriatelevels. Other portions of the powered may be transformed into an ACwaveform of appropriate frequency to operate other items on floatingplatform 102 that require AC power.

The simple conversion to DC power, without subsequent rebuilding of thepower into an AC signal (and subsequently bringing it back to a DCsignal at each computer or rack in modular data centers 104) may providefor energy efficiency benefits. Each conversion introduces losses, andbecause the power can be used in DC form, there is no need to convertand re-convert the signal. Although the varying frequency of the ACsignal generally coming from motion-powered machines 106, 110 generallyrequires rectification and rebuilding of a constant AC signal, becausecommercial and domestic users of the electrical demand an AC signal andbecause transmission over long distances is difficult using DC current,the described single conversion does not require particular AC current,and also does not require transmission over such a distance. Such anapproach of converting AC generated at a non-standard frequency to DCwithout further changes could be used for other natural sources having achanging frequency, such as wind generators on wind farms.

Electricity generated by the motion-powered machines 106 travels throughelectrical cables (not shown) connected to the platform 102. Theelectrical cables may run along mooring lines that tie the variousmotion-powered machines 106 back to the floating platform 102.Alternatively, the electrical cables may run separately from the mooringlines.

The motion-powered machines 106, 110 may be arranged in multipleconfigurations. Some configuration may be well-suited for maximizingefficiency, while other configurations may be well-suited forsurvivability, navigation, maintenance, or other purposes.Configurations may trade off several factors, including survivability,efficiency, deployment time, materials required, etc. In FIG. 1A,motion-powered machines 106, 110 are arranged parallel to the heading ofthe ship and to each other. A standard size for such a system may coveran area approximately 600 m×200 m. Each motion-powered machine may havea pontoon diameter of 3.5 m and length of 35 m. Additional pontoons maybe added that increase the overall length of the motion-powered machine.

Some configurations of motion-powered machines may be best suited forefficiently collecting as much energy as possible. For instance, largerarrays may collect more energy than smaller arrays, and larger arraysmay be useful where wave activity is not as vigorous as in otherlocations. Some configurations of motion-powered machines may bewell-suited to conditions involving a prevailing weather pattern. Forexample, motion-powered machines may be oriented so that they are at aparticular angle to surface trade winds may harness energy from thewaves driven by the trade winds.

Some configurations of motion-powered machines may be best suited toareas with waves that come from many directions. For instance, locationswithout prevailing winds may have motion-powered machines deployed in amanner that allows them to automatically orient themselves perpendicularto whichever waves are present. In such cases, the motion-poweredmachines may orient themselves automatically by being tethered at onlyone end so that the waves pull the motion-powered machine to the mostefficient orientation.

Some configurations of motion-powered machines may utilize a layout thatmaximizes usage of a given space. For example, the motion-poweredmachines may be laid out in a grid with their anchored points making ahoneycomb-shape that allows unhindered operation of all themotion-powered machines with any orientation while at the same timeminimizing unused space.

Some configurations of motion-powered machines may be used to minimizerequired materials. For example, configurations may be used whichvariously minimize the use of cabling, piping, tethers, anchor points orother equipment. Such configurations may minimize the number of anchorpoints and tether points that are needed. In some instances, severalmotion-powered machines may be tethered to the same anchor, thusreducing the number of anchors required. In some instances,motion-powered machines may use the ship as an anchor point. In someinstances, several motion-powered machines may be connected togetherinto a group with a single connection with the main ship.

Some configurations of motion-powered machines may be well-suited forsurviving storms or other extreme situations. Certain configurations maybe best suited for surviving natural or man-made disasters such astsunamis or wars. For instance, motion-powered machines which are moresubmerged than are others may have a higher survival rate when exposedto large waves by “diving” beneath wave crests that might otherwiseoverstress the motion-powered machines. Installations where eachmotion-powered machine is connected directly to the platform 102 mayreduce the effect of a single set of connections being cut; forinstance, if a single motion-powered machine were to be lost, the othersmay not be affected.

Motion-powered machines may be used in configurations which accommodateother shipping traffic in the area, such as fishing boats, recreationalvessels, shipping vessels, etc. Such traffic may be unduly affected byencounters with the array, such as fishing nets tangled with thetethers. Various signaling mechanisms, such as strobing lights, flags,and horns may be used to alert other ships of the existence and locationof a particular field of devices.

Some configurations may involve the use of a grid in which eachmotion-powered machine is connected to multiple other motion-poweredmachines or the ship in a manner that provides for redundancy in theevent a link goes down, e.g. due to failure or maintenance requirements.Such grid connections may occur in the moorings and also in theelectrical cables.

Some configurations may be useful for quick deployment, such as towing astring of motion-powered machines that are already attached to the shipand only need to have their anchors attached. Prearranged mooring fieldsmay also be prepared, so that quick connections may be made when themotion-powered machines arrive on-site. Such mooring fields may beprepared while a group of machines is being manufactured and hauled to asite. In addition, the mooring fields may be moved, such as when demandfor computing or telecommunications power moves, when sea conditionschange (e.g., seasonally) or when a time period for legal occupation ofan area expires.

In some implementations, a smaller vessel may be based on the platform102 which may be used for tending the motion-powered machines. It mayperform activities such as site setup, maintenance, or other necessaryactivities that may require direct interaction with the motion-poweredmachines. The vessel may include, for example, a smaller boat, e.g.,20-30 feet.

Motion-powered machines of various sizes may be used. In someimplementations, large motion-powered machines 106 may be used forelectrical generation, whereas small motion-powered machines 110depicted closer to the boat may be used to pump cooling water to a datacenter. The generating capacity of a motion-powered machine may beincreased by increasing the number of pontoons in a given motion-poweredmachine.

Configurations may involve motion-powered machines of different sizes.For example, different sized motion-powered machines may be available inthe future. In some instances, the motion-powered machines may collectpower for performing different functions. For example, somemotion-powered machines may be used for generating electricity and othermotion-powered machines may be used for pumping water. In someimplementations, pumping may be performed by direct mechanical coupling,with pumps located in the motion-powered machines 106, 110. In otherimplementations, dedicated motion-powered machines generate electricitythat is used solely for powering electric pumps.

The platform 102 can be anchored with the motion-powered machines,and/or can carry the machines into location. For example, themotion-powered machines 106, 110 may be carried aboard or behind theplatform or aboard or behind another platform 102 for long distancetravel. Upon reaching the destination, the platform 102 may unload themotion-powered machines 106, 110 and set up the array. Equipment, suchas a tender or other equipment, may be present on board the platform 102for unloading and setting up the motion-powered machines 106, 110. Theplatform 102 may alternatively unload the motion-powered machines 106,110 in a nearby port, and the assembled motion-powered machines 106, 110may be towed by the platform 102 or another vessel to their intendeddestination.

System 100 may provide for one or more various advantages. For example,much of the world's population lives near oceans, so system 100 couldbring computing or telecommunication power close to them. Much of theworld's communications infrastructure also runs through the oceans, sothat system 100 could tap into existing infrastructure near shorelines.In addition, system 100 may be quickly deployed so as to be inserted inareas requiring quick computing or telecommunication power, such asareas of military conflict or disaster areas.

The data centers 104 may be employed with the computers inside standardshipping containers to make them more portable (e.g., capable of beinghauled to the boat or by a truck). The data centers 104 may beconstructed modularly in areas having low costs, and may be transportedto locations needing communications support relatively quickly. The datacenters 104 may be offloaded to areas where a more permanent presence isneeded, and may also be connected to the motion-powered machines 106,110 after such offloading, freeing the ship to deploy to another area.Also, data centers 104, when in the form of shipping containers, may bequickly traded out when technology changes. Modularization also makesmaintenance simpler; hardware that is corroded or worn out from theharsh salt water environment can be easily replaced with fresh hardwareby swapping containers.

Use of modules may also provide convenient access to subsystems. Modulesmay simply be moved to access support structures undergoing maintenance,such as cooling or electrical systems. The modules may be repositionedon the ship temporarily for repairs, or installed in a new location tofacilitate continued operation.

The platform 102 may have amenities that support system operations. Forinstance, the platform 102 may include living accommodations for crewand operating staff. A helipad may also be provided to facilitate accessfor personnel and quick turn-around for activities such as replacingparts or for setting up new equipment. The platform 102 may, inaddition, be able to accommodate a ship tender capable of re-supplyingthe platform 102 with items such as consumable supplies such as fuel oiland perishables for the crew, parts for maintenance, etc. In addition,out-board fuel tanks may be provided and connected to platform 102 whenadditional fuel supplies are needed.

The system 100 may include modules with an integral backup power supplyand cooling system in the event the primary systems are unavailable. Thebackup system may be capable of using an alternate source of energy,such as a fuel-based power generation system. In some implementations,the system 100 may be able to store energy to form a reserve that can bedrawn upon during periods with low wave activity. As one example, banksof batteries may be used to store electrical energy. As another example,fuel cells may be used with hydrogen kept in a reservoir, which isfilled by electrolysis when wave energy is available. Solar power may beused to supplement power collected from the motion-powered machines;calm days where little wave energy may be available may also becloudless, maximizing solar energy that is available. The system 100 maybe implemented using existing equipment with some modifications. Forexample, a ship capable of hauling intermodal freight containers may beoutfitted with electrical and cooling systems to support thefunctionality described above.

Electrical and pumping power may also come from devices powered directlyby the wind. For example, wind turbines may be mounted or tethered to anocean floor and provided to receive prevailing winds for power. Suchpower may be provided instead of, or in supplementation to,water-powered systems. A datacenter may be placed near such windturbines, which may themselves be arranged in a line or gridarrangement, and be tied electrically to them. In one implementation,power from an array of wind turbines may be provided to a single pointconnection, and a data center may connect to the power there.

One or more wind turbines may be provided with mechanical linkages thatpermit them to also pump cooling water to a data center. Such turbinesmay be dedicated only to pumping, or may provide both electricalgeneration and pumping. Where pumping is provided, the data center wouldtypically be near the turbine to minimize the length of piping required.In certain implementations, the data center or part of the data centermay be attached directly to the turbine, including by being located inthe upper head of the turbine that rotates with the turbine blades. Insuch situations, airflow and turbulence from the blades may be used tohelp cool the data center.

In addition, cooling may be supplemented by other mechanisms that drawlittle electricity, such as absorption chillers. Such chillers may beprovided on platform 102, and may be used during periods in which thedata center needs to operate and be cooled, but naturally-generatedelectricity and cooling is insufficient to provide the needed coolingfor the data center. In addition, such cooling may be used when pumpingpower is adequate, but sea water is not sufficiently cool to provideneeded levels of cooling.

Where absorption chillers are employed, valving on pipes leading to heatexchangers may be provided to shift one or more heat exchangers fromsea-water cooling to chiller cooling. For example, an open loop mayexist on a heat exchanger by which sea water flows through one side ofthe exchanger, and cooling water that enters and leaves the data centerflows through the other side. A side branch for the data center coolingwater may extend to a heat exchanger whose second side is connected toan absorption chiller. When additional cooling is needed, the datacenter cooling water may be redirected in whole or in part from thefirst heat exchanger to the second. Additional heat exchangers may alsobe employed, so that changes from sea water cooling to chilled watercooling may be made gradually.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a floating data center system 120 using a pairof motion-powered machines. In general, the floating data center system120 has a floating platform 122 carrying a modular data center 124.Motion-powered machines 125, 132 may provide power and cooling capacityto floating platform 122. The floating platform 122 may direct power andcooling capacity supplied by the motion-powered machines to the modulardata center 124. As a result, the floating data center system 120 may beable to operate without external connections for providing power orcooling.

The floating platform 122 may, for example, include a seagoing ship suchas a freighter. The modular data center 124 may make use of shippingcontainers 126, such as standardized intermodal freight containers, tohold the data center's equipment. The shipping containers 126 may beloaded and unloaded using conventional port equipment. In the event thatone or more modules 126 of the data center 124 needs to be replaced, thefloating data center system 120 may simply pull into a port and have theappropriate modules swapped out and replaced with new ones.

The motion-powered machines 125, 132 may extend laterally from thefloating platform 122, for example, with one end connected to the rearof the floating platform and the other end anchored to the seabed. Themotion-powered machines 125, 132 may gather mechanical power from waveaction and apply it to a purpose such as pumping fluids or generatingelectricity. The relative positioning of the floating platform 122 andthe motion-powered machines 125, 132 is shown here only for illustrativepurposes; the actual alignment of the components will generally beestablished so as to provide for maximum energy generation, and for theproper operation of the platform 122 also.

The motion-powered machines 125, 132 may have the ability to convertwave action to electricity and pumping capacity. For example, in someimplementations, the motion-powered machine 132 may have apiston-powered pump 134 present in its first pontoon 132A, and electricgenerators 136 present in its other pontoons 132B, 132C, 132D.

The motion-powered machine may cool the modular data center 124 bypumping coolant. In some cases, the cooling system used in the floatingdata center system 120 may include an open loop. For example, a conduit128 may be used to transfer a coolant such as subsurface seawater from apump 134 located in the first section 132A of the motion-powered machine132, to the floating platform 122. In some instances, the motion-poweredmachine 125 may provide electrical power to drive a pump (not shown)onboard the floating platform 122; the pump may draw in cool seawaterthrough an intake pipe 130 that is used to cool the modular data center124. An intake pipe which extends below the surface of the water maydraw up cooler water than water that is present at the surface, due tothe differences in density between warm and cool water, and due to solarheating of the surface water. Seawater that is pumped into the floatingdata center 122 may be expelled overboard or underwater as the needarises after it has absorbed heat from the modular data center. Variousmechanisms may also be employed to ensure adequate dispersion of thewater.

In some instances, the cooling system used in the floating data centersystem 120 may include a closed loop. For example, a coolant, such asfresh water or ethylene glycol, may circulate between the motion-poweredmachine 125, where it is cooled, and the modular data center 124, whereit absorbs excess heat from computing equipment. The conduit 128 may besegregated into separate channels which carry warm and cool coolant. Thecoolant may be carried to a heat exchanger located in the first pontoon132A of the motion-powered machine 132. The heat may pass from thecoolant on one side of the heat exchanger to seawater on the other sideof the heat exchanger, thus cooling the coolant before it is pumped backto the floating data center.

In other implementations, a data center may be located on shore, closeto a body of water. Power (whether electrical or mechanical) for thedata center may be derived from water-based devices such as Pelamismachines of water-based wind generators. The power may then betransmitted to the data center on shore. Cooling water may also bepumped from the body of water to the on-shore data center.

FIG. 1C is a top view of a floating data center system 150 powered by atidal power system. In general, the tidal power system converts energygathered from rising and falling tides into electricity. The electricityis passed to the floating data center system 150 where it is used topower and cool computing equipment.

In the figure, a floating data center system 150 includes a floatingplatform 152 carrying a modular data center 154. The modular data center154 may consist of one or more modules on the floating platform. Themodules may be, for example, intermodal freight containers. The modulesmay contain computers and other equipment necessary for data centeroperations. Such equipment may include computing equipment such as racksof servers or hard drive arrays. The modules may also includecommunications equipment such as wireless base stations, modems, or anyother related equipment. Alternatively, the modules may contain almostexclusive telecommunications equipment, such as switches, routers, andother structures.

A tidal basin 156 provides electrical power to the floating platform152. A channel 158 connects the basin 156 to the ocean, and a gate 160controls the flow of water into and out of the basic 156. Awater-powered generator 162 gathers energy from water flowing in and outof the tidal basin 156. In operation, the gate 160 may be held open whenthe tide is rising so that water fills the basin 156. When the tidepeaks, the gate may be closed. When the tide falls, water may be routedfrom the higher level in the basin 156 through turbines in thewater-powered generator, similar in operation to how a dam operates. Thegate 160 may also be closed as the tide rises, and higher ocean watermay fall through turbines to create power. The gate 160 may thus beoperated simply to ensure that the difference in the water heightbetween the basic 156 and the ocean is sufficient to power the generator162. The energy collected by the tidal power system may be used toprovide electrical power and cooling capacity to the modular data center154. As a result, the modular data center 154 may be able to operateusing energy gathered from the motion of seawater.

The electricity may be carried to a junction or switching box 164. Theswitching box 164 may pass the electricity to the floating platform 152.When electricity is not available from the tidal basin, such as when thewater level inside and outside the tidal basin is (nearly) equal,electricity may be provided from an external source, such a continentalpower grid 166. At other times, such as when the modular data center 154is not at full usage, excess power generated from the tidal basin 156may be delivered to the power grid 166. Also, a portion of the power formodular data center 154 may be drawn from generator 162 and a portionfrom the grid 166.

Electricity may be passed partway to the floating platform from theswitching box via a buried cable 168. Burying the cable 168 may inhibitdamage to it from wave action or beach traffic. At a point 190 away fromshore, the cable emerges into the water and is connected to the floatingplatform 152, thus supplying it with electricity. In some instances, thecable 168, or a separate cable, may be used to provide communicationsbetween the floating platform and other systems located on shore. Thecommunications cable may include, for example, one or more optical fiberbundles, and may be connected via junction or switching box 164 (whichmay include both power and data switching components) to an on-shoredata network. In some cases, a wireless transceiver on the floatingplatform may be used for such communication.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a floating data center system 200. In general,the system 200 has a modular data center 202 aboard a floating platform204, connected to one or more motion-powered machines 206. The modulardata center 202 can be made up of computer equipment in one or moremodules. The motion-powered machines 206 may provide power and coolingcapacity to the modular data center 202. As a result, the modular datacenters 202 may function without connecting to external utilities.

A modular data center 202 of a floating data center system 200 hasmodules 202A, 202B aboard a floating platform 204. The modules 202A,202B may be in a standardized format, such as an intermodal freightcontainer, such as those used in the transportation industry. Themodules 202A, 202B may have computing resources such as racks ofservers, telecom equipment, etc.

In some instances, the floating platform 204 may be a ship, such as afreight hauler, outfitted to handle the modular data center 202. Thefloating platform 204 provides a structure to physically support themodular data center 202 as well as utilities such as electricity andcooling capacity. The floating data center 204 may be connected to anexternal power generating device such as a motion-powered machine 206.The motion-powered machine 206 may in turn harness wave energy toprovide resources such as power or cooling capacity to the modular datacenter 202. The modular data center 202 may use power supplied to thefloating platform 204 by the motion-powered machines 206. The connectionbetween the floating platform 204 and the motion-powered machine 206 maybe in the form of a cable 208, for example, when electricity is beingsupplied. If cooling capacity is being supplied, other appropriateconnectors, such as a flexible tube may also be used.

Power may be supplied to the floating platform 204 using standardtechniques for transferring marine power. Electricity may be generatedby the motion-powered machine 206 at an appropriate voltage and passedthrough the cable 208 to the floating platform 204. For example, ahigh-voltage AC electrical system may be used with a step-up transformerlocated in the motion-powered machine 206 and a step-down transformerlocated in the floating platform 204.

The electricity may be passed through a power converter 224 and bedistributed to various systems, such as a pump 216 or data centermodules 202A, 202B. Power lines 220 within the ship 204 may distributeelectricity to the modular data centers 202A, 202B. In some instances,the power converter 224 may output several different voltages. Forexample, it may output 120V AC 60 Hz for electronics designed for theNorth American power grid and 240V AC 50 Hz for electronics designed forEuropean power grids. DC power may also or alternatively be provided,for example, for certain server racks that do not use switching powersupplies.

Cool water is denser than warm water, causing water below the surface tobe cooler than water at or near the surface. To take advantage of this,the cool water may be drawn through an inlet tube 210 that extends belowthe surface. Pump 216 may be used to draw in the cool water and send itthrough supply pipes 218 for distribution to the modules 202A, 202B. Thecool water may also pass through heat exchangers (not shown) either ator away from the data center modules. Such use of heat exchangers allowsthe relatively caustic seawater to be isolated in only one part of thesystem, with fresh water or other coolant circulating in a closed-loopsystem on the other side of the heat exchangers. As a result,maintenance may be minimized, as the closed-loop side of the system maybe kept in operation, with frequent replacements needed only on thesaltwater side of the system.

The heat exchangers may be connected to integrated cooling systemswithin the modules 202A, 202B that directly cool equipment. The coolwater warms up as it absorbs waste heat deposited in the heatexchangers, for instance, by computer equipment. The warm water may passthrough return pipes 220 and be expelled, for example, through a port214 in the rear of the floating platform 204.

The floating platform 204 may have integrated control systems forhandling power and cooling. For example, the floating platform 204 mayhave power monitoring equipment that automatically brings on additionalsources of power, such as other motion-powered machines or backupgenerators, as the load demanded by the modular data center 202increases. An automatic control system, which may be housed with powerconverter 224 and may be controlled from the deck of the floatingplatform 204 or other appropriate area (such as by distributed controlsin each of the modules 202A, 202B), may be used to adjust coolingcapacity to an optimum level that provides sufficient cooling withoutexcessive wear and tear on moving parts. For example, in someimplementations, temperature sensors integrated with the supply 218 andreturn 220 pipes may be used to determine whether the current flow rateis sufficient to keep the modular data center cool. In someimplementations, the modules 202A, 202B may have sensing and controlsystems that are integrated with the floating platform 204 such thatthey request additional cooling capacity when needed.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a floating power-generation apparatus. Theillustrated apparatus is different from the Pelamis machines discussedabove. In general, a floating body 302 has tethers 304 attached toanchors 306. The tethers 304 may be wrapped around a spring-loaded hub308 so that the tethers 304 pull out when the waves are high and springback when the waves are low. The resulting motion may be converted by agenerator to electricity, or may be used to operate a mechanical pumpfor pumping of seawater to a floating platform for cooling.

In more detail, similarly to the motion-powered machines describedabove, a floating body 302 may be attached with tethers to anchors 306on a seabed. In this case, however, the tethers 304 may be wrappedaround a spring-loaded hub 308, so that the tethers 304 pull out whenthe waves are high, due to the body's 302 flotation, and springs backwhen the waves are low. A mechanism, such as a ratchet, may transfer theback-and-forth motion to a shaft. The resulting rotation of the shaftcan be transmitted, in some cases, to a electrical generator;electricity produced in such a manner may be transferred, for instance,to a boat for powering computers or other electronic equipment. Such amechanism may be used as an alternative or additional power generatingmechanism to the Pelamis machines described above.

The back-and-forth motion of the tether 304 may also be used to drive apump used for pumping seawater to a boat for cooling. In some cases, theback and forth motion may be converted to rotary motion for use indriving a rotary pump. In other cases, the back and forth motion may beused to drive a piston pump. In some cases, multiple tethers, springs,or hubs may be used, and dual ratchets may be employed with a stifftether to permit gathering energy in wave troughs and crests. In someinstances, the tethers may be used to transfer electricity or coolantfirst to the anchor, then to the boat. In other cases, the generator orpump may be co-located with the anchor instead of the floating body 302.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a floating power generation and pumpingapparatus 400, like that depicted in FIG. 3. In general, the apparatusmay have a floating body 402, a tether 404, a generator 406, and a pump408. The tether 404 may be wrapped around a spring-loaded shaft 410which connects to the generator 406 and pump 408. Motion caused by thecoiling and uncoiling of the tether 404 may provide force for rotatingthe shaft 410 and operating the generator 406 and pump 408.

The apparatus 400 has a floating body 402 with positive buoyancy. Thefloating body 402 may include, for instance, a sealed steel tube ofsubstantial (e.g., 3.5 meters) diameter and length (e.g., 10-30 meters).An attached tether 404 may anchor the apparatus 400 to the seabed. Agenerator 406 for generating electricity may be located inside the body402, and may be connected to the rotating of the tether 404 by a shaft410. The body 402 may also house a pump 408, such as various forms ofrotary pumps. The apparatus 400 may be used, for instance, to provideelectrical power and cooling capacity to a floating data center.

The tether 404 may have one end attached to an anchor on the seafloorand the other end wrapped around a spring-loaded shaft 410. As wavesstrike the apparatus, its buoyancy causes it to move up and down,imparting a spinning motion on the shaft 410. The spinning shaft maycause the pump 408 to pump water and the generator 406 to generateelectricity. The pump 410 may suck seawater in through an intake pipe412 and send it through a tube 414 to a nearby boat, for instance, tocool a floating data center. In some implementations, the tether 404 mayalso include an electrical conductor used for transmitting electricityto a load. For example, electricity may be delivered through theconductor to a nearby ship-based or shore installation.

In some implementations, a transmission 411 may be used to controlrotation of the pump 408 and/or generator 406. Such control may permitan operator to decrease or increase the amount of water flow, and tothereby match water flow to the cooling needs of the system, and/or toallocate the power between the pump 408 and generator 406. In someimplementations, the transmission 411 may be controlled electronically,as it may be desirable to remotely control the transmission of theapparatus. In some cases, the transmission may engage the generator,causing it to generate electricity. In other cases, the transmission mayengage the pump, causing it to pump water as the shaft is rotated.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a floating data center system 500, showingcooling and electrical components. In general, the system 500 shows abelow-decks view of various components used to serve an overhead modulardata center. The modular data center may be made up of several modules520 filled with computing equipment cooled by a closed-loop coolingsystem.

The floating data center system 500 may be carried by a ship 502. Coolseawater may flow into an on-board cooling system via tubes 504 from anexternal source, such as the motion-powered machines described above orfrom intakes that open into the sea. Heat exchangers 506 transfer heatfrom a closed-loop cooling system to the seawater on an open-loop sideof the system 500 before it is expelled overboard through ports 508 atthe rear of the ship 502. The tubes (or other conduits) may be connectedto the ship 502 via flexible connectors 507, which may permit forrelative motion between the ship 502 and the tubes 504.

The on-board cooling system may be a closed-loop system that transfersheat using coolant flowing through a network of pipes 512. Use of aclosed-loop system allows the use of a coolant less corrosive than theseawater that is ultimately used as a heat sink. The heat exchanger 506may be exposed to seawater on one side and to the closed loop coolingsystem on the other. In some cases, the heat exchanger 506 may be of adesign, such as a plate heat exchanger, which allows relatively easyreplacement of parts subject to failure, such as surfaces exposed to theseawater flowing through them. The portions of the heat exchanger 506that require replacement may be much smaller and thus may be removed andreplaced more easily than the entire system.

Cables 514 may supply electricity to power converters 516 from devicessuch as motion-powered machines. The power converters 516 convert andcondition the supplied power to a suitable form for distribution to datacenter modules 520 located in the ship 502.

In some implementations, electrical power may be distributed such thatmodules 520 located in different portions of the ship are poweredindependently. For example, modules on the port side of the ship may bepowered by one set of motion-powered machines and modules on thestarboard side of the ship may be powered by another set ofmotion-powered machines. In such a case, it may be possible to have alimited deployment of motion-powered machines to power a portion of themodular data center. The system may be configured so that power may betransferred from one portion to another. For example, data modules inone portion may experience a peak demand that exceeds the poweravailable form their assigned motion-powered machines; in such asituation, the power supplied to them may supplemented with powerprovided by motion-powered machines that provide power to other datamodules.

Also, the power converters 516 may provide the power in various forms asneeded on the ship. For example, as noted above, the power may beprovided at various voltages and frequencies of AC power. Also, thepower coming in from cables 514, such as AC power at one or morefrequencies associate with generators on water-powered machines, maysimply be broken down to DC power at one or more voltages for poweringthe data centers and other components on the ship.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made. For example, althoughmuch of the discussion here has centered around wave-powered machines,other power mechanisms, such as wind power (e.g., from sea-based windgenerator farms) and river current power may also be used. Also,although several applications of the systems and methods have beendescribed, it should be recognized that numerous other applications arecontemplated. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A system, comprising: a computer data center proximate to a body ofwater comprising a plurality of computing units; a sea-based electricalgenerator in electrical connection with the plurality of computingunits; and one or more sea-water cooling units for providing cooling tothe plurality of computing units.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputing units are mounted in a plurality of crane-removable modules.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sea-based electrical generatorcomprises a wave-powered generator system.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the sea-based electrical generator comprises a plurality ofmotion-powered machines arranged in a grid and wired together.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the wave-powered electrical generator systemcomprises one or more Pelamis machines.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the sea-based electrical generator comprises a tide-poweredgenerator system.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cooling unitscomprise a plurality of sea-powered pumps and one or moreseawater-to-freshwater heat exchangers.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the sea-water cooling units comprise one or more water-to-waterheat exchangers.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising one ormore rectifiers for producing direct current supply power from powersupplied by the electrical generator.
 10. The system of claim 9, whereinthe rectifiers provide power directly to components in the plurality ofcomputing units without further DC-to-AC conversion of the power. 11.The system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of step-downtransformers to convert the direct current power to a voltage usable bythe components in the plurality of computing units.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the sea-based electrical generator comprises one ormore wind turbines.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or morewind turbines provide pumping power for the sea-water cooling units. 14.The system of claim 1, further comprising a supplemental chiller coolingsystem on a platform with the data center to provide additional coolingwhen the one or more sea-water cooling units is insufficient.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the computer data center comprises afloating-platform mounted data center.
 16. A method of maintaining acomputer data center, comprising: generating electrical power using thewave, tidal, or current motion of water adjacent a data center;providing the generated electrical power to the data center; andcirculating the water adjacent the data center through a heat exchangerto produce cooling for the data center equipment.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the electrical power is generated by the force of afloating device against moving waves.
 18. The system of claim 16,wherein the on-board or on-shore data center equipment comprises a largeplurality of computer boards mounted in rack arrays.